A Canadian Model for Housing and Support of Veterans Experiencing Homelessness

Detailed Overview of the Two-Year Evaluation Project

The issue of homelessness among Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) veterans is an area of increasing concern. This multi-site Evaluation Project was established to develop a tested Canadian model for addressing, reducing and preventing veteran homelessness. The Canadian Model for Housing and Support of Veterans Experiencing Homelessness (Evaluation Project) was action-focused and examined the nature and extent of homelessness among Canadian veterans, developed and evaluated local intervention strategies and measured the importance of key principles for addressing veteran homelessness.

For the purposes of this Evaluation Project, local community organizations across four Canadian sites (Toronto, London, Calgary, and Victoria) worked together with federal partners including Veterans Affairs Canada, the Homelessness Partnering Strategy, a researcher and a project management team to provide and evaluate housing and related support to veterans experiencing homelessness.

PROJECT OVERVIEW

The Canadian Model for Housing and Support for Veterans Experiencing Homelessness (Evaluation Project) was a two-year evaluation project from May 2012 to June 2014 funded through the federal Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS), with in-kind support from Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC), the Cityof London and the four housing with support sites.

This participatory action research project developed and evaluated a model of housing and individualized programming to best meet the unique needs of CAF veterans experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness.

THE OBJECTIVES OF THE EVALUATION PROJECT:

Enhanced coordination and integration in the provision of housing and other support services for veterans who are experiencing homelessness

Successful transition out of homelessness into sustainable, affordable accommodation, achieving cost savings in the process

KEY AREAS FOR CONSIDERATION FOR PROVIDING HOUSING WITH SUPPORT FOR VETERANS MOVING FROM HOMELESSNESS TO HOME:

A Housing First and harm reduction approach is preferred

Veterans have unique needs within the broader homeless population

Structure and routine, including leisure, are important aspects of the approach for supporting veterans

Peer support requires an understanding of both military service and homelessness-related issues

Collaboration includes an integrated and shared response with both homeless-serving and veteran -serving organizations

The Canadian Model for Housing and Support for Veterans Experiencing Homelessness was created through the collaboration of a number of partners.

FunderFederal Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS) provided funding of $1.9 Million over two years.

In-KindVeterans Affairs Canada (VAC) provided an estimated $1.8 Million through in-kind services such as case management, Operational Stress Injury Clinic (OSIC) Outreach Clinicians, and Social Support over two years.